Steve Kendall assesses the chances of the four West Country teams as the Premiership season approaches. As we near the start of the 2016/2017 Aviva Premiership season, one thing we can look forward to is a full selection of west country participants and the inevitable ‘tasty’ local derbies that result. It is the first time […] READ MORE
Tag: Premiership
Teimana Harrison Added for Series Finale
After securing their first ever series win on Australian soil, England have made one change to the side that started the second test against Australia in Melbourne last weekend. Teimana Harrison has been handed his second cap in place of the injured James Haskell at openside flanker for what promises to be anything but a […] READ MORE
2016-17 Aviva Premiership to be Most Competitive Yet
In the 16/17 Aviva Premiership many will look at who can topple Saracens at the top but the more interesting battle may be at the bottom where one of an ever-growing group of strivers will be relegated. READ MORE
Manu Tuilagi – Great Player or Great Enigma?
To answer that question quickly one way or the other is not easy (thank goodness or this would be a poor read). Manu Tuilagi is a player of such balletic power and impact, he can turn a game on his own – a feat reserved for the truly gifted (Dan Carter, David Campese, Phil Bennett […] READ MORE
Season Reflections from the Stoop
Reflections on a disappointing season at the Stoop, which saw Harlequins plagued by injuries, on the wrong end of a series of narrow losses, and in the midst of coaching drama READ MORE
Contenders for Green Flag Forward of the Season
As the ‘business end’ of the rugby season approaches, naturally it’s time to reflect back on the year and take note of exceptional moments and, of course, players that have graced the field. The 2015/16 season has been a unusual compared to others; the later start to the season due to the World Cup meant […] READ MORE
A Month in the Life of Gloucester Rugby Supporters
At the final whistle on Friday night at Kingsholm the clear emotion around the ground was relief. The Cherry and Whites ended a five game losing streak with a 16-9 win over Exeter Chiefs, rounding off a rollercoaster month or so for Shedheads everywhere. READ MORE
Refereeing Problems in Britain
Recently the question over refereeing problems has been brought up. Is the standard dropping and how can we improve it? OVERVIEW This is not a rant at referee’s and crucially we are all thankful for the work they do at all levels of the game – without them there would be no games at all. However […] READ MORE
Positives Emerge From the East Midlands Derby
Enough with the criticism of the officials. Whilst fans from both sides have argued to the moon and back over referee Tim Wigglesworth’s display, the positives from Saturday’s enthralling East Midlands derby have been lost on some. Leicester Tigers eventually prevailed as 30-24 winners at Franklin’s Gardens, and in a match that meant a lot […] READ MORE
Stuart Hooper Forced to Retire Through Injury
Bath Rugby is saddened to announce that Club captain, Stuart Hooper, has been forced to retire with immediate effect due to injury. The lock, who has made 192 appearances in the Blue, Black and White, joined Bath in 2008, following successful stints with Saracens and Leeds. He suffered a back injury earlier this season, and […] READ MORE